Beltangady: A leopard was spotted along the Charmadi Ghat road on Thursday night, prompting the Forest Department to urge motorists to exercise caution while travelling through the forested stretch that connects Dakshina Kannada and Chikkamagaluru districts. The sighting has raised concerns among regular commuters and travellers using the ghat road, which is known for its rich wildlife habitat.

The wild animal was reportedly seen near the 11th hairpin bend of the ghat. According to eyewitnesses, the leopard was first noticed sitting on the roadside retaining wall before it later moved along the edge of the road. Both moments were recorded on mobile phones by passing motorists, and the videos have since circulated widely.

Leopard seen near 11th hairpin bend

The latest sighting occurred during the night when motorists travelling through the ghat noticed the leopard close to the roadside. The animal appeared calm as it remained on the retaining wall before moving along the road for a short distance.

Several motorists slowed down to observe the leopard from a safe distance, while others captured videos of the animal. There were no reports of the leopard displaying aggressive behaviour or attacking vehicles or people.

The Charmadi Ghat passes through dense forest areas that are home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, gaurs, deer and several species of birds. Wildlife sightings are not uncommon in the region, particularly during the night and early morning hours.

Repeated sightings in recent weeks

The latest incident comes close on the heels of similar leopard sightings reported in and around the Charmadi Ghat area.

Last month, a leopard was seen sitting on a roadside retaining wall in the Chikkamagaluru section of the ghat, approximately 6 km from the location of the latest sighting. That incident had also attracted the attention of motorists and wildlife enthusiasts.

More recently, during the previous week, the animal was reportedly spotted moving through a rubber plantation at Neriya near Charmadi Ghat, indicating that it continues to move through the forested landscape on both sides of the district border.

Forest officials believe the sightings are consistent with the natural movement of wildlife through the region, as the area forms part of an important forest corridor connecting habitats in Dakshina Kannada and Chikkamagaluru districts.

Forest Department issues advisory

Following the latest sighting, Forest Department officials have appealed to motorists travelling through Charmadi Ghat to remain vigilant, particularly during night-time journeys.

Officials have advised drivers not to stop unnecessarily to watch or photograph wild animals, as such actions may disturb them and create unsafe situations. Motorists have also been urged not to use vehicle horns excessively, flash high-beam headlights directly at wildlife or attempt to approach the animals.

The department stressed that maintaining a safe distance and allowing animals to move freely is the best way to avoid conflict between humans and wildlife.

Travellers urged to drive responsibly

Authorities have reminded commuters that the Charmadi Ghat passes through ecologically sensitive forest areas where encounters with wildlife are possible. Drivers have been advised to maintain moderate speeds, remain alert around bends and avoid littering or feeding wild animals.

Forest officials also requested travellers to immediately inform the department if they notice injured or distressed wildlife along the road instead of attempting to intervene on their own.

The advisory comes as tourist and vehicular movement through the ghat remains high during the monsoon season, when the scenic route attracts a large number of visitors.

Conclusion

The repeated leopard sightings near Charmadi Ghat highlight the presence of wildlife in the forest corridor connecting Dakshina Kannada and Chikkamagaluru. While the latest incident did not result in any untoward event, the Forest Department has urged motorists to remain cautious, respect wildlife and avoid disturbing animals while travelling through the ghat section.